How can I stop my kitten from scratching and biting me?

Q: I'm in desperate need of help with my 7-month-old cat found as a stray about two months ago. I've never owned a cat, and was more of a dog person until I found this adorable cat. Chance is great half the time but the other half he is absolutely crazy and mean! He attacks my arms and legs leaving me covered in scratches. He never breaks skin, but it hurts! He has toys and climbers but still attacks out of nowhere. I have tried many ways to deter him (spray bottles, scruffing him, even holding him close so he could hear my heartbeat) but he fights even harder. Help!

—BLM, Dauphin County

A: Many first-time cat owners confuse normal play behavior with aggression — especially when they have become the favorite "prey toy."

You're the target of a playful young kitten following his instincts to chase, stalk, pounce and swat at moving things. Absent a feline buddy, static toys such as climbers, stuffed mice, etc. won't provide enough mental or physical stimulation for him. So you're IT.

Felines instinctively engage in rough play because all kitty play is a form of "mock" aggression. Trouble arises when the play gets too intense and humans are injured in the process. Unless he hisses, growls or spits at you during these attacks, it's safe to assume he's only trying to amuse himself.

You need to divert his play tactics away from your hands and body. Interactive games using fishing poles with feathers, a laser mouse, even throwing wads of paper or ping pong balls away from you will satisfy his need to chase and "attack" things without harming you.

Mishandling former strays who have not been properly socialized is usually met with claws and teeth. It's natural to want to cuddle our furry friends, but few cats with Chance's background welcome such overtures. Keep petting to a minimum until he grows out of this stage.

Physical punishment will only add to the problem. Never scruff him by the neck or even tap him on the nose when he's highly stimulated. Walk away and ignore him. Keep kitty treats handy to reward him for the calm behaviors you want.

Better yet, learn to play his games, and do so at least twice a day when he's at his most active. If he ambushes you as you walk about the house, carry toys to toss ahead to redirect his attention. Get him to focus on chasing toys instead of you.

Use feeding time to bond with Chance. Rather than free-feed, provide small meals through the day so he associates food with you, as opposed to someone recklessly leaving goodies out for him to scavenge.

Above all be patient. He's still feeling his way, and you're a new owner. Folks with aging kitties tend to miss the excitement and activity of the kitten days. Once you understand Chance's behavior, you'll end up with a purring bundle of joy. Good luck!

From a fellow horse lover

Dear Karen: Horses DO teach valuable lessons! When my daughter was 9, she begged for a horseback riding lesson. She was very shy, timid and small for her age. That lesson was the start of her learning to ride well and going on to participate in many horse shows.

She established a strong work ethic and eventually cared for her own pony. Their relationship helped her learn to lose and win gracefully. I look back at those years with much appreciation because I was able to watch her grow up with the abilities and confidence to become the capable wife and mother she is today. Horses gave us a wonderful time to share together.

—Heather Nogami, Perkasie

Karen Steinrock is a pet columnist based in Grantham, Cumberland County. Send questions/comments and a photo of your pet to ksteinrock@comcast.net or to P.O. Box 306, Grantham PA 17027. Please include hometown and a phone number.